Rigid-rod polymeric fibers

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 100; no. 1; pp. 791 - 802
• Main Authors: Chae, Han Gi, Kumar, Satish
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.04.2006; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; high performance polymers; high temperature materials; mechanical properties; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Polyimide; Nylon; fibers; Thermotropic state; Synthetic fiber; Aromatic polymer; Carbon nanotubes; Compressive strength; nanocomposites; Composite material; Benzoxazole derivative polymer; Radiation resistance; Olefin polymer; Nanocomposite; Chemical properties; Polyethylene; Ester polymer; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Tensile strength; High modulus fiber; Liquid crystal polymers; Morphology; Preparation; Amide copolymer; high temperature materials; Aramid fiber; high performance polymers; Spinning; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.22680

This paper traces the historical development of high temperature resistant rigid‐rod polymers. Synthesis, fiber processing, structure, properties, and applications of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers have been discussed. After nearly 20 years of development in the United States and Japan, PBO fiber was commercialized with the trade name Zylon® in 1998. Properties of this fiber have been compared with the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), thermotropic polyester (Vectran®), extended chain polyethylene (Spectra®), p‐aramid (Kevlar®), m‐aramid (Nomex®), aramid copolymer (Technora®), polyimide (PBI), steel, and the experimental high compressive strength rigid‐rod polymeric fiber (PIPD, M5). PBO is currently the highest tensile modulus, highest tensile strength, and most thermally stable commercial polymeric fiber. However, PBO has low axial compressive strength and poor resistance to ultraviolet and visible radiation. The fiber also looses tensile strength in hot and humid environment. In the coming decades, further improvements in tensile strength (10–20 GPa range), compressive strength, and radiation resistance are expected in polymeric fibers. Incorporation of carbon nanotubes is expected to result in the development of next generation high performance polymeric fibers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 791–802, 2006